Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey filed suit against Dollar General on Thursday for deceptive and unfair pricing in its more than 600 retail stores throughout the state. The lawsuit asserts that Dollar General violated Missouri’s consumer protection laws by advertising one price on shelf, then charging a higher price upon checkout.
A spokesperson from Dollar General shared the following with SFA News Daily: "Dollar General is committed to providing customers with accurate prices on items purchased in our stores, and we are disappointed any time we fail to deliver on this commitment. When a pricing discrepancy is identified, our store teams are empowered to correct the matter on the spot for our customers. We typically do not comment on pending litigation."
“As long as I’m Attorney General, my office will always pursue those who attempt to rip off Missouri consumers,” said Bailey in a statement. “Prices are at an all-time high; the last thing Missourians need is to feel the brunt of Dollar General’s scheme. We will move forward undeterred in our fight to obtain full restitution for all affected.”
Bailey is seeking an injunction, full restitution, civil penalties, and other relief for violation of the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act.
“Dollar General is routinely overcharging Missouri consumers for everyday staples and the necessities of life. Worse still, consumers are being deceived as to the prices they are actually paying for these items,” reads the petition. “Candles, toilet paper, lip balm, lemonade, tire foam and drink coolers all have one thing in common at Dollar General stores across the state of Missouri: the prices charged at the point of sale are frequently higher than the prices listed on the shelf.”
The Attorney General’s Office conducted the investigation with the Missouri Department of Agriculture Weights, Measures, and Consumer Protection Division.
The joint investigation revealed “92 of the 147 locations where investigations were conducted failed inspection. Price discrepancies ranged up to as much as $6.50 per item, with an average overcharge of $2.71 for the over 5,000 items price checked by investigators.”
“Ensuring price verification and accuracy is one of the key components of the Missouri Department of Agriculture through our Weights, Measures, and Consumer Protection Division,” said Missouri Department of Agriculture Director Chris Chinn.
The news comes a few months after the National Labor Relations Board determined that Dollar General violated worker’s rights by intending to interfere with union activity at a store in Connecticut.
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